Wood County, Ohio — The Wood County Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services (WCADAMHS) is urging voters to support a 1.6 mill renewal levy on the November ballot to maintain its vital system of care for mental health and addiction services. This levy is crucial for sustaining programs that local residents rely on for support and treatment.
Importance of Levy Funding
Amanda Kern, the executive director of WCADAMHS, emphasized that while state and federal funds are essential, they come with specific restrictions that limit their use. “Levy dollars are important because they don’t have those restrictions,” Kern explained. These funds are pivotal for a variety of local programs, including those run by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), crisis services, and housing initiatives.
Wood County boasts one of the most effective crisis systems in Ohio, providing immediate support for those in need. “We have somebody who will come to see you where you are when you need us,” Kern said, noting that crisis services are high-cost programs essential for community safety and well-being. Without local funding, these critical services could face significant cuts.
Financial Overview
The renewal levy represents 62% of WCADAMHS’s annual levy dollars and accounts for 44% of the agency’s overall budget. It is projected to generate over $5.3 million annually for ten years, starting in 2025, at a cost of approximately $33 per $100,000 in property value. These funds directly support local agencies that provide essential services, including:
- Wood County Addiction Response Collaborative (ARC)
- Children’s Resource Center (CRC)
- The Cocoon
- Wood County Educational Services Center (WCESC)
- Harbor
- NAMI-WC
- OhioGuidestone
- Unison Health
- Zepf Center
Focus on Youth Services
Kern highlighted the pressing need for prevention programs aimed at youth, acknowledging the changing landscape of challenges faced by children today. “We know the environment with kids is changing,” she said, noting increases in violence and bullying. The focus will be on expanding youth treatment and prevention services to reach children before crises escalate.
Outreach initiatives will involve collaboration with school districts, asking educators what they need and how the WCADAMHS can best support them. The goal is to create a strong partnership between community mental health services and schools to alleviate the burden on teachers.
Commitment to Transparency and Stewardship
The agency takes pride in its commitment to being good stewards of the funds it receives. Kern stated, “We spend so much time, effort, and energy to monitor every dollar that flows out of here.” They maintain a low administrative rate of 7%, ensuring that approximately 93 cents of every tax dollar directly supports local services addressing issues like depression, anxiety, and childhood behavioral problems.
“We will take good care of this money and make sure it goes to the people who truly need it,” Kern assured the public.
Community Support and Recognition
The community has consistently shown strong support for mental health and addiction services, both through levy approvals and participation in events. Kern expressed gratitude for this backing, particularly in light of recent challenges, such as a fire incident that drew community donations and offers of assistance.
“This levy is important to all Wood County residents,” Kern stressed. “It’s crucial for anyone who knows someone with mental health symptoms or who has faced a mental health crisis.” The WCADAMHS is committed to providing the necessary support and resources to build resilience in the community, particularly among youth.
By investing in mental health and addiction services, Wood County aims to cultivate strong, resilient individuals who can navigate life’s challenges, ultimately fostering a healthier community for all.
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